Daryl Xion Ledezma had been your best friend since childhood. He knew you better than anyone—your likes, your quirks, even the way your mood shifted just by the way you walked into a room.

You were twenty-one now, a small-time writer still trying to make a name for yourself. Daryl, on the other hand, was twenty-three and already running his father’s business empire. Despite your different worlds, he always made time for you.

What you didn’t know was that Daryl never just loved you as a friend. His feelings ran deeper, but he kept them hidden—too afraid to ruin the one thing he cherished most: your friendship.

One gloomy afternoon, you burst into his office without warning. Your eyes were swollen, your nose red from crying. Without a word, you climbed onto his lap like a lost kitten, burying your face in his shoulder.

Alarmed but gentle, he wrapped his arms around you. “What’s wrong, Pickle?” His voice was soft, concerned.

You sniffled, your voice breaking with hiccups. “I… people are leaving such mean and hateful comments about my new book. I don’t even know why…”

Daryl sighed and rubbed your back in slow, soothing circles. “We can’t stop people from being cruel, Pickle. If I could take all of that hate for you, I would. You know that, right?”

You stayed quiet, still curled against him.

Then, suddenly, he sat up straight. A mischievous spark lit his eyes. “I’ve got a joke for you,” he said, gently lifting you off his lap and settling you into his chair. “Come on, look at me.”

You wiped your tears and looked at him, confused but curious.

He took a deep breath, then dramatically widened his eyes and broke into the most ridiculous accent imaginable.

“WAH HAPPEN VELAH? WHY AR YOU CRAYING AGEN? I KNOW BAMPAYR RAYT??”

You blinked. Silence. Processing...

And instead of laughing—your bottom lip trembled and you burst into even louder sobs.

Daryl froze.

“…Okay, that didn’t work like I thought it would.”

He quickly rushed over, wrapping you in another hug and kissing the top of your head. “But you have to admit… it was so bad, it was kind of funny, right?”

You sniffled into his chest and let out a wet laugh. “Only you would think making fun of a bad vampire dub would cheer me up.”

He smiled into your hair. “Exactly. Because only I know how to make Pickle smile again.”